Definition: folder

The logical subdivision of a storage device, which gives the user the illusion of a paper file folder with endless capacity. Folders are created by both software and users, and all of storage is represented as a hierarchy of folders.

Each folder contains files (applications, documents, images, etc.) as well as other folders, known as "subfolders." Subfolders may contain additional subfolders, and this nesting is unlimited for all practical purposes.

Folders expand automatically to accommodate files, and the total number of available folders is limited by drive capacity and the operating system (see file system). See application folder.

Default Folders
The first time an operating system is installed, it creates default folders such as Documents, Music and Photos, and most applications save to these folders automatically. In this case, backing up just the default folders saves all the data most people generate. However, company users often create and name their own folders to keep their business functions separated. Knowing how to create, delete, move and copy files and folders is essential to mastering the computer.

Folder = Directory
Introduced by Xerox in 1981, the folder metaphor was popularized by the Mac in 1984 and Windows in 1990. In the Unix, Linux and DOS environments, a folder is a "directory," and the terms "folder" and "directory" are used synonymously. See files vs. folders, file, directory and Win Folder organization.

Manila Folders in Windows

A folder in Windows is graphically represented as a manila-colored (beige-colored) paper folder.

Blue Folders in a Mac

A folder in the Mac is blue, and this Mac desktop excerpt shows two image files (top) and two folders (bottom).